Welcome to Zen Waterloo!

We are a group dedicated to the practice of Zazen, or sitting Zen meditation, in the Soto lineage of Zen Buddhism.

Reasons why people reach Zen Waterloo are diverse: some come out of curiosity, some look for a safe place where to learn meditation, or simply look for an oasis of silence and quietness without falling in total solitude. Yet others either disenchanted with their current credos, feeling more attracted to Buddhism, or already practicing some form of Buddhism, Zen in particular, come wanting to deepen their practice.

If you are wondering whether you need to be Buddhist or need to ascribe to Buddhism in order to practice Zazen, the answer is No. Everyone is welcome, Buddhists and Non-Buddhists alike. If you are new to the practice of Zazen, you will be taught and provided with a friendly space to keep practicing it in communion with others "in the same page". If you are already a member of other Zen group or centre, you are most welcome to practice with us; you are only asked kindly to respect and follow Zen Waterloo's dynamics and etiquette regardless whether they match those of your group.

Feel free to peruse through the pages and find our schedule, calendar, and answers to questions you may have in the Q&A Section, which keeps evolving. If you do not find them, you can contact us, or simply why not just drop by and sit with us, so that you experience Zazen first hand.

Sitting cancellations and any other important announcements can be found in "What's Happening" at the right corner at the top of this page. At last, this website is always evolving so that stay enlightened, sorry, tuned. , so that

Here and Now, You are Welcome!

Dear members of Zen Waterloo.

I regret to let you know that the Zen Waterloo meditation group will cease. I am starting new personal commitments that do not allow me to provide the same care needed for the group that I have been providing. It would thus be unfair for everyone involved in the group to continue but with less quality.

I thank you all for your attendance and support, and wish you the best. If any of you wants or needs to reach me, you can contact me to zenwaterloo8@gmail.com.

Gassho .:.

Andres/Taizen

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

Although discussion about the practice or practical topics, questions raised on Buddhist matters and philosophical questions occur some times, Soto Zen emphasizes the practice of shikantaza–just sit–. That is the best way to start, especially for people who are not familiar with Zazen as well as for people that have too much ‘activity’ going on in their minds.